Cougar Cash and Dining Dollars

Cougar Cash and Dining Dollars can be accessed with a tap of your Cougar Card. Cougar Cash allows you to draw on pre-deposited funds to purchase products and services on campus. It acts like a personal debit card.

Dining Dollars can be used for food purchases from on-campus dining locations and select vending machines. All meal plans come with a pre-set amount of Dining Dollars and more can be added at any time. 

How does it work?

To open a Cougar Cash Account simply make a deposit using any of the methods described below. If you have a meal plan, you start the semester with Dining Dollars and can add more. Funds for Cougar Cash and Dining Dollars roll over from semester to semester and year to year.

To make a purchase, simply present your Cougar Card at any participating location and the funds will be withdrawn from your account. You can access your balance and transaction history using the Cougar Card Portal or obtain a complete account statement at Campus Services HQ.

Account Features

Ease. It’s easy to start a Cougar Cash Account by simply making a deposit. Dining Dollars are already loaded when you get a meal plan.

Safety. Carrying the Cougar Card is safer than carrying cash, checks, ATM or other cards. Your account number is not printed on the card.

Savings. There are no monthly service charges or fees, and there is no required minimum balance.

Where can I use funds?

You can use your Cougar Cash at any of the following locations. Dining Dollars are accepted at campus dining locations.

If a cardholder has both Dining Dollars and Cougar Cash, food purchases always come from Dining Dollars first, then Cougar Cash. If Dining Dollars run out, food purchases will be deducted from Cougar Cash automatically. Vending purchases are deducted from Cougar Cash first, Dining Dollars second. 

Making Deposits

Students, Authorized Users and employees can easily make deposits to their Cougar Cash or Dining Dollars accounts online, by mail or in person.
  • Online

    Electronic checks and all major credit cards may be used. Deposits are not subject to a convenience fee and will be available within two hours.

    1. Go to MyPortal (myportal.cofc.edu).
    2. Click on the eBill tile.
    3. Maximize the window to be able to see all options.
    4. Go to the Deposits tab, select the term, and Cougar Cash or Dining Dollars.
    5. Enter the amount and preferred payment method.
    6. Confirm to process.
  • By Mail

    Complete a check or money order paid to Campus Services HQ, College of Charleston, 66 George Street, Charleston, SC 29424. Please mark the item with the student’s name, student ID number and Cougar Cash or Dining Dollars.

  • In Person

    Campus Services HQ
    162 Calhoun Street
    Service Hours Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

    Deposits may be made using cash, check, money order or major credit card. Funds will be active immediately.

    Card Value Center
    Addlestone Library
    Deposit as little as $1 for immediate use. Only cash is accepted at this location.

    The College of Charleston is prohibited by law from performing banking transactions and therefore cannot make full or partial refunds to students still enrolled in school. Cash may not be withdrawn from the Cougar Cash Account and the card will not function as an ATM card.

Account Closure / Refunds

Cougar Cash and Dining Dollars accounts will be closed if the cardholder ceases to be a student at the College of Charleston. No refunds will be issued for account balances less than $10. 

  • For students taking a leave absence or withdrawing from the College: Once you complete the proper paperwork through the Academic Success and Retention Office, Campus Services HQ will be notified and will issue any available refund.
  • For graduating students: Please complete a Refund Request Form. Campus Services will refund the account balance upon its receipt.

Refunds will be issued via direct deposit if an account is set up with the Treasurer’s Office. If direct deposit is not set up, a check will be mailed to the primary address on file or as stated in the request.

The College of Charleston reserves the right to close any account that is inactive for 18 months or more. Balances in accounts that are inactive for more than 18 months will be reclaimed.

Refund Request Form